Shagorana
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
United Kingdom (particularly among Bangladeshi diaspora)[1]
 A Shagorana platter served at a Bangladeshi wedding featuring a whole roasted goat, lobsters, chicken roasts, eggs, aromatic polao, and decorative cut salads | |
| Alternative names | Shagorana Thala; Khodorer Thala; Sodori Khana; Shukrana Bhaat |
|---|---|
| Course | Main |
| Place of origin | Bangladesh |
| Region or state | Bangladesh United Kingdom (particularly among Bangladeshi diaspora)[1] |
| Associated cuisine | Bangladeshi |
| Main ingredients | Polao or biryani, whole roasted chicken or goat, eggs, kebabs |
Shagorana aka Shagorana Thala, Khodorer Thala or Sodori Khana (Bengali: সাগরানা, সাগরানা থালা, খদরের থালা, ছদরি খানা) is both a traditional dish and the unique ceremonial custom of its presentation, observed by the Muslim community in Bangladesh, and typically served to the groom at a wedding reception.[2][3][4] This custom involves presenting a large, lavish thala (platter) featuring a variety of dishes arranged artistically. The centerpiece is typically a whole roasted goat or a whole roasted chicken or Durus. The centerpiece is surrounded by a diverse assortment of traditional side dishes, including Polao or Biryani, kebab, rezala, and korma, eggs. The platter is further garnished with decorations of carved fruit and vegetable salad.[2][1][4]
Shagorana is a hallmark culinary tradition in Bangladeshi weddings, deeply integrated into its folk food culture and customs. It embodies Bengali hospitality and the profound respect shown to the groom. Traditionally, the bride's family presents this distinctive platter to warmly welcome and honour the groom.[2][5][6]
Author and researcher Abdul Haq Choudhury, in his work Chattogramer Samaj O Sanskritir Ruprekha (1980), highlights that the term Shukrana Bhaat evolved through common usage, becoming distorted into 'Sagorana Bhaat' and eventually shortened to 'Sagorana'.[3]
The word 'Shukrana' (or 'Shokrana') is fundamentally an Arabic-Persian term meaning gratitude or thankfulness.[7] And the Bengali word, Bhaat means rice. Therefore, the term Shokrana/Shukrana Bhaat translates to a feast or meal held for the purpose of expressing gratitude or thanks. This practice shares conceptual similarities with the observance of Thanksgiving Day in the Western world.
The ceremony is held as a token of offering good wishes and seek blessings from Almighty upon the couple's new life together, marking the joyous transition from the end of their unmarried lives to the beginning of a shared one.[3]